The Format Returns: New Single “Depressed” & Boycott Heaven Album

It’s been nearly 20 years since Nate Ruess and Sam Means last shared a stage as The Format, and if we’re being honest, most of us had given up hope on a reunion. But the indie-pop gods have finally answered. The duo is back with a brand-new single, “Depressed,” and it’s the first taste of their upcoming third album, Boycott Heaven.

If you were expecting a carbon copy of the whimsical bells and whistles from Dog Problems, think again. This is The Format all grown up—and they’ve brought some heavy hitters along for the ride.

The Dream Team Behind the Sound

To capture this new era, Nate and Sam teamed up with Brendan O’Brien, the Grammy-winning producer who helped shape the sound of legends like Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen. Adding even more weight to the project is drummer Matt Chamberlain (who has played with everyone from David Bowie to Fiona Apple).

The result? A sound that feels massive. It’s a nod to the late-90s alt-rock and pop-punk the two first bonded over as kids in Arizona, but with the grit and polish of musicians who have seen it all.

Modern Problems, Classic Chemistry

Despite the title, “Depressed” isn’t just a downer. It’s part of a larger narrative on Boycott Heaven that deals with the world we’re living in right now. Across 11 new songs, the band dives into:

• Existential Angst: Fighting through disillusionment and “growing up” in a chaotic world.

• The Big Questions: Tearing down religious hypocrisy and social norms.

• Real Life: Writing honest odes to family and the kind of love that survives two decades of change.

What makes this record special is the hard-earned optimism. It’s the sound of two best friends who realized they still have something to say that they can only say to each other.

“I Never Meant to Say Goodbye”

The album wraps up with a track called “Back To Life,” where Nate sings, “Been gone for way too long / I never meant to say goodbye.” It feels less like a lyric and more like a direct apology to the fans who have been waiting since 2008.

Boycott Heaven isn’t just a comeback; it’s a total reboot. The Format is back, they’re loud, and they’ve finally opened a chapter we never thought we’d get to read.